Brentford manager Thomas Frank has come to the defense of his embattled counterpart, Erik ten Hag, as Manchester United continue to grapple with a dismal start to their season. Frank’s comments, made ahead of Brentford’s upcoming clash with United at Old Trafford, shed light on the intense pressure facing top-flight managers and raise questions about the nature of success and failure in modern football.
Manchester United’s struggles this season have been nothing short of shocking for a club of their stature. Despite a summer spending spree that saw approximately £200 million ($261 million) poured into strengthening the squad, the Red Devils find themselves languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table after seven matches. Even more galling for United supporters is the fact that they currently sit three places and two points behind Frank’s Brentford side, a team operating on a fraction of United’s budget.
The nadir of United’s season thus far came in their most recent home fixture, a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Tottenham that left fans and pundits alike questioning the direction of the club under Ten Hag’s stewardship. Since that loss, United have struggled to regain their footing, managing only draws against Porto in the Champions League and Aston Villa in the Premier League before the international break.
Given the circumstances, many would expect rival managers to sense blood in the water. However, Thomas Frank has taken a different approach, offering a surprising and robust defense of Ten Hag in the face of mounting criticism.
It’s incredible how much scrutiny he’s had to face,” Frank stated, his words carrying the weight of a manager who understands the pressures of the job all too well. As a head coach, I acknowledge how it feels to be in a situation like this. I think [the criticism] is too much. He’s clearly a good coach, he’s won two trophies in two seasons.”
Frank’s empathy for Ten Hag’s situation is particularly noteworthy given the speculation surrounding his own future. The Brentford boss has been mentioned as a potential successor to Ten Hag should United decide to make a managerial change, a rumor he was quick to address in a recent interview with talkSPORT.
I’ve said many times I’m very happy here,” Frank affirmed, while carefully leaving the door open for future opportunities. “Who knows what happens in the future? I’m open, but right now, I’m just working hard every day to make Brentford better.
Frank’s comments go beyond mere professional courtesy, touching on a fundamental issue in modern football: the often reductive way in which managerial success is assessed.
“But I understand how it is: if the team wins, the head coach is absolutely fantastic; if the team loses, the head coach is absolutely sh*t!” Frank observed, cutting to the heart of the matter with characteristic bluntness. “Whereas it’s probably somewhere in between. It’s never only the head coach, or the players, or the fans, or the board – it’s a combination of all of these things.
This nuanced perspective challenges the knee-jerk reactions that often dominate football discourse, particularly in the age of social media and 24/7 sports coverage. It raises important questions about the realistic timeframes for building successful teams and the myriad factors that contribute to a club’s performance beyond the manager’s influence.
Frank’s defense of Ten Hag is not without merit. Since taking the reins at Old Trafford, the Dutch manager has guided United to two trophies in two seasons, a fact that seems to have been overshadowed by the team’s recent poor form. This success, achieved against the backdrop of significant upheaval both on and off the pitch, suggests that Ten Hag’s abilities as a coach may be more substantial than recent results indicate.
However, the pressure on Ten Hag is undeniable. United’s massive summer outlay was intended to close the gap on their rivals and challenge for the Premier League title. Instead, they find themselves looking up the table at teams like Brentford, West Ham, and Brighton, clubs operating with far more modest resources.
Frank’s defense of Ten Hag is all the more intriguing given Brentford’s own success story. Under Frank’s guidance, the Bees have not only established themselves as a Premier League side but have consistently punched above their weight, often troubling the league’s traditional powerhouses.
Brentford’s approach, characterized by smart recruitment, tactical flexibility, and a strong team ethos, stands in stark contrast to United’s more lavish, star-driven model. The fact that Brentford currently sit above United in the table is a testament to the efficacy of their approach and raises questions about the sustainability of United’s strategy.
As United prepare to host Brentford at Old Trafford, the pressure on Ten Hag continues to mount. A positive result against Frank’s side could provide a much-needed boost and potentially serve as a turning point in United’s season. Conversely, another poor performance could further erode confidence in Ten Hag’s project and increase calls for change.
For Brentford, the match represents another opportunity to showcase their credentials as a genuine force in the Premier League. A win at Old Trafford would not only solidify their position in the table but also lend further credence to Frank’s managerial acumen.
Frank’s defense of Ten Hag, while surprising, speaks to a broader issue in football: the often unrealistic expectations placed on managers and the lack of patience in the modern game. As clubs like United grapple with the challenges of maintaining their status in an increasingly competitive landscape, the wisdom of Frank’s words may prove prescient.
“It’s never only the head coach, or the players, or the fans, or the board – it’s a combination of all of these things,” Frank reminded us. In an era where quick fixes and instant results are demanded, this holistic view of football management may be exactly what’s needed to navigate the complexities of the modern game.
As the Premier League season unfolds, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see if Ten Hag can weather the storm and return United to their former glory. Whatever the outcome, Frank’s unexpected defense of his rival has added a fascinating dimension to one of the most compelling narratives in English football.
